My name is Jenna. Friend of Moriah. Living in San Diego, but going to Arizona. Mission in Argentina, Córdoba. Convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 19 years. Anything else you want to know?
Recently, I have discovered and reveled in tiny houses. What are tiny houses, you might ask? They are houses under 200 square feet. Small houses are between 1,000 and 200 square feet (I think), and the average American home is 2,200 square feet. My first discovery of this kind of house was a video tour of Jay Shafer’s tiny home. (Take a look here. I’ve got time…: http://youtu.be/LJLSoUkh1Vs). He has lived in tiny houses for the past 12 years and is the founder of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. (http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ Look under the "Houses" tab)
Why should you be interested in tiny houses? First of all, most of us have lived in tiny spaces. Apartments, shared housing, and dorm rooms all contribute to our potential to live in a tiny space. Don’t just write it off as, “Oh, I could never live in a tiny house. It’s too small!” Tiny houses are beneficial in many ways. First, you don’t have to clean as much. Second, you can take it with you on the road if you have to relocate for jobs and changing lifestyles. Third, and most important in my opinion, they are more environmentally friendly. The reason houses are so big right now is because of the housing industry. Square footage is the cheapest thing to add onto a house. But, it takes more energy to heat a house and use all those appliances, not to mention repairs.
I've always liked cozy spaces, and there was a time when I had a LOT of material possessions. Since then, I have tried to scale down, and now I am more comfortable with less and smaller. A tiny house isn’t for everyone, especially growing families, but as my personal family grows, I will seek to have just what I need and not much excess. It’s good for my mind, good for my heart, and good for the environment.
Thank you.
(All photos are of Tumbleweed tiny houses)
Jenna K. Lindsay
Thanks Jenna! You are the coolest cat around. I've loved getting to know you:) This really is a fascinating subject. You have inspired me to go through my things and spring clean. The most important things in life aren't things!
You are balancing school, homework, a job, friends, and church.
Which is what you did in high school, but this is on a more intense level.
Somehow, you survive on little sleep and stress without your mom there. Crazy right?
So we could all you use some pointers on how to make it through.
Here is #1:
Celebrate Holidays!
Growing up, holidays were a big deal. My mom had boxes of decorations for what seemed like every holiday and a wreath for the door. After leaving home, she said that the reason she loves holidays is because it is a little way to celebrate life. What a neat perspective that I never even considered.
So go to the dollar store and buy some cheap decor. Better yet, make your own. It will make your day to see decorations. Make cupcakes and buy yourself a Cadbury Cream Egg (the best holiday candy that exists). Wear green on St. Patrick's Day and eat green eggs. Maybe even ham if you want to be a big spender.
